About Mackie Transportation
Mackie Transportation, incorporated in 1928, has been a long-lasting and cherished friend of Grandview Kids Foundation. As a family-owned business, the Mackie Family has passed down a philanthropic legacy through generations, which has resulted in the care and support of children and youth throughout the Durham Region for many years.
It all began with a humble family farm, where cattle grazed, and tomatoes flourished. However, from modest beginnings emerged a family company that has stood the test of time for over nine decades. Today, Mackie Transportation Inc. expresses their focus, “…to provide the best service to ensure that we maintain our existing customers while bringing on new client relationships.” Mackie Transportation, without a doubt, has created a long-lasting and honourable friendship with Grandview Kids Foundation.
Ross’ Impact & Legacy
Charlie Mackie founded the family business in 1928, which he then turned over to his son Merle, and his wife, Amanda, who ran the business until the 50s. It was only a couple of decades later that Ross and his sister Marilyn took over the business from Merle in the 70s. In his youth, Ross reaped the most joy from visiting his family’s tractor as a young boy. Following many life-adventures that consisted of many uncertainties and joyous moments, Ross and Marilyn’s business ventures took flight. Thus, Mackie the Mover began and transformed into what we know today as Mackie Transportation Inc. Today, Ross enjoys visiting the office. He finds joy in paying visits to the trucks, trailers and the staff. To read more about Ross and his incredible business ventures and impact on Grandview Kids Foundation throughout the years, please visit our website here, and read Ross’s story!
Family Matters
Without a doubt, family is the cornerstone of the Mackie legacy. Dean Mackie, the son of Ross Mackie, stands at the helm of Mackie Transportation alongside his wife, Cindy, and their children, Shawn and Sara. Their connection with Grandview Kids Foundation is heartfelt, as they have experienced firsthand the profound difference Grandview Kids’ programs and services can make in the lives of their family members.
Cindy Mackie recalls the time when her brother utilized Speech and Language Pathology at Grandview Kids in his youth. As Grandview Kids was established in 1953, his access to the Speech and Language program in the late 1960s would have been in its earliest stages. After 50 years of program development, research and field innovation, Shawn’s son also accessed the very same program. As a child, in the 2010s, Cindy and Dean’s grandson accessed Speech and Language Pathology at Grandview Kids. Through various appointments and many hours, Shawn’s wife, Sarah, learned from the clinicians and therapists, which enabled her to assist their second son early in his development.
The Mackie Family’s direct association with Grandview Kids as clients has contributed to their desire to support Grandview Kids Foundation in raising funds for the children and youth of the Durham Region. It is safe to say that while Grandview Kids has had an important effect on The Mackie Family, The Mackie Family has had a profound and everlasting impact on Grandview Kids.
The Mackie’s “Why”
While driving through Durham Region, there may come a day that you see a Grandview Kids Foundation transport truck, highlighting Grandview Kids Foundations’ Believe Campaign. In all its glory, Grandview Kids Foundation has the Mackie Family to thank for their generous display of support for Grandview Kids. Moreover, Grandview Kids Foundation is honoured to have the Mackie Family as a major donor and friend.
To Cindy and Dean, Grandview Kids is a special place. They reflect on the incredible children that Grandview Kids support each year, as they recognize the significant impact the specialized programs and services at Grandview Kids has on the children and youth of Durham Region. For the Mackie Family, the most heartwarming and uplifting aspect of their involvement with Grandview Kids is witnessing the children and youth receiving care, their resilience and spirit serving as constant sources of inspiration.
Among the array of third-party and signature events hosted by Grandview Kids Foundation each year, Cindy and Dean derive their greatest joy from the annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic. For them, to see Grandview Kids’ families, hear their stories, and learn about their differences, reminds them of the need for and importance of Grandview Kids. When speaking of the golf tournament, one story of an amazing young man stuck out to Cindy Mackie the most – Sam Keane. Cindy and Dean had the opportunity to meet with Sam many years ago at the annual golf tournament, and they recall his pride in Grandview Kids. They are most ecstatic to hear about his incredible accomplishments today.
What began as a one man and his truck has blossomed into an enduring legacy cherished dearly by the Mackie Family. Their innate philanthropy and unwavering commitment to community support resonate profoundly within the halls of Grandview Kids and Grandview Kids Foundation. With deepest gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dean, Cindy, Shawn, and Sara for their steadfast support of Grandview Kids Foundation. Additionally, we express our sincerest appreciation to Ross, the visionary behind it all, for imparting his boundless joy and compassion to the children and youth of Durham Region.
